AN enormous amount of volunteer work has seen Bathurst resident Robert Newton recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the communities of the West and Central West.
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Not everyone finds out who nominated them, but Mr Newton knows it was his children, Rachel, Ben and James, that were behind it.
In their submission, they noted how proud they were of "the exemplary life" their father has led.
"What we believe truly sets Dad apart, and the reason we are nominating him, is his enormous contribution to the community, and the thousands of hours he has spent volunteering across so many areas," they said.
"Dad has combined his family life with a life of service and volunteer work on a local, national and international level."
One of the major contributions Mr Newton made was as a volunteer firefighter, a role he has been dedicated to for more than four decades.
He started out with the Spicers Creek and Goolma Bush Fire Brigades, before joining the Emmagool Bushfire Brigade, which he served in for 26 years.
Mr Newton retired to Bathurst in 2011, where he joined the O'Connell Rural Fire Service.
Throughout his working life Mr Newton was a passionate environmental advocate and an educator.
He spent 26 years as the principal of Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre, volunteering countless weekends and evenings to run various programs.
He has contributed to numerous groups and committees, including the Toongi Landcare Group, the management committee of Little River Landcare Association, the Central West Catchment Management Advisory Committee, Lake Canobolas Development Committee, Central West National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Committee, and NSW Ministerial Environmental Education Advisory Committee.
Mr Newton was also a foundation member of the White Rock Progress Association and a dedicated Rotarian.
Ever humble, Mr Newton sees his OAM as a tribute to others.
"I am honoured to receive this award but I have been privileged to be able to work and volunteer to help my community and the planet," he said.
"I have met so many amazing people in my life and this is a tribute to them."
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